Monika smiled at El and Annabeth in lieu of words. She couldn't think of anything to say in response to the elf's praise, so she just bowed in return. She closed her box with a soft kick and hoisted it onto her shoulder. She slowly leaves the house, softly saying "I should probably restock on ingredients if we're to set out," then, a little louder, "I'll see you all at the gate soon!"

She steps out the door, and into the salt and fish air of the docks. Not wanting to draw any attention to herself, she hurried toward the wall that led back to the city proper. She had her hand in a pouch by her side, resting on the glass vial that held her safety. Anybody offering a threat would find themselves regretting it rather soon.
Luckily, nothing happened and a short while of walking later, and she made it back to the lab that was once Geroges' and now hers. She quickly gathered all she might need: food, water, extra ingredients, and one or two books she was halfway through.
[hr]

She was the first back at the gate, so she took a seat on her box and pulled out a book, attempting to read over the sounds of the nearby rabble. In particular, a group of four men who were well armed and dangerous looking. They were clearly not impressed by the city. She briefly thought about asking them to quiet down, but thought the better of it. It was a public space after all, and there would always be more noise. Instead, she opted to tune them out and wait for her new companions.